They survived in the Premier League last season, but this year things haven't gone so well.

Sunderland are the fifth Premier League club this season to get rid of their manager.

PREMIER LEAGUE MANAGER CHANGES THIS SEASON

Roy Keane - Sunderland - 4 December

Harry Redknapp - Portsmouth - 25 October

Juande Ramos - Tottenham - 25 October

Kevin Keegan - Newcastle - 4 September

Alan Curbishley - West Ham - 3 September

In a statement on the club's website, Sunderland Chairman Niall Quinn said: "First of all on behalf of everyone here I would like pay thanks to Roy Keane for all his hard work in progressing this club, lifting its status and growing its worldwide profile.

"Roy's decision to stand aside and allow someone else to take charge of the next chapter sums up his desire to always do what is best for the Club. Even in his departure he has been more concerned for the welfare of the players and his staff than himself."

Keane's last game

The last match Keane was in charge at Sunderland for was a 4-1 home defeat to Bolton, and the club's next match is away to Manchester United on Saturday.

After that loss to Bolton Keane said: "I ask myself every day if I'm the right man for Sunderland.

"I asked myself this morning, and I said I was. Sunday morning, if the answer's no, we'll have to look at it.